Since a devastating fire caused extensive damage to Lulu Ross Elementary School, Milford School District has worked to keep the public updated on when children will be able to return to school. Ross was closed for the week of October 26 through 30 while Mispillion Elementary had to be closed on Monday, October 26 due to fiber optic damage. In the latest update, Superintendent Travis Moorman announced the start of returning students to school.
“I would like to begin today’s update by sharing my regret that many of our community have heard several different versions of what our anticipated return for our Ross students to new learning environments,” Moorman said. “When attempting to coordinate such a significant effort, we must be more inclusive of more and more stakeholders to gather input and troubleshoot potential problems. This can sometimes lead to information being shared prior to formal announcements being made which in many cases is unavoidable. I would like to again thank our community members for your patience, support and understanding as we communicate our plan.”
Moorman explained that over 600 students and 100 staff have been displaced from Ross and he anticipated utilizing space within current schools to ensure students remain in the district. The plan begins with the relocation of all sixth-grade students currently attending Milford Middle School to Milford Central Academy on Monday, November 2, 2026.
“This will leave space at Milford Middle School for all 2nd, 3rd and 4th grade students displaced from Ross,” Moorman said. “We have notified the staff members at all three schools who are affected by this plan and will continue to share the details regarding the time and effort it will take for them to relocate their materials and supplies. WE will continue to work on how this change will impact transportation, instructional schedules, start/end times and other student services.”
Moorman stated that the district planned to provide ongoing daily communication as it becomes finalized. Although he acknowledged it was a short turnaround, the district hoped to have all classroom changes completed and ready for all students to return to school on Monday, November 2, but an official announcement would be made later.
“We continue to receive a tremendous amount of outreach and support from community members and stakeholders,” Moorman said. “We are currently working on a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document that will be posted in a parent portal on our website and updated after each message from the district. This information will also include points of contact for donations and fundraisers. While the community support is greatly appreciated, we ask everyone to pause fundraising and donation efforts until we are able to generate a list of supplies and resources our schools will need and provide guidance on who to contact for further information regarding donations to the district.”
The district is aware that families need answers so they can prepare for the impact any changes will have on them at home. The hope is to minimize any unintended consequence that may occur with all of the moving parts currently in motion, but we continue to prioritize getting our Ross students back into learning environments.
“While these changes are significant and may not be convenient for everyone, I truly believe it is in the best interest of all students involved,” Moorman said.
The district has also set up food hubs for students from October 27 through October 30. Students enrolled at Lulu Ross Elementary School can pick up a meal bag containing lunch for the current day and breakfast for the next day at the Ellendale Fire Company, 302 Main Street in Ellendale from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM; Morris Early Childhood Center, 8609 3rd Street in Lincoln from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM; and the Food Bank of Delaware Main Lobby, 102 Delaware Veteran’s Boulevard in Milford from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM.
“We know this is a deeply challenging time for our Ross family, and we are incredibly grateful for the partners and staff stepping up to support our students. We will continue to provide updates and resource as we are able to do so.”
